World Water Day 2018- Nature for Water

The theme for the year 2018, “Nature for Water” provides an important opportunity of exploring nature-based solutions for various water challenges. “World Water Day 2018” along with a poster competition among university students was organized at PCRWR Headquarters Islamabad in collaboration with UNESCO, ICIMOD, ICARDA, IUCN, ECOSF, CCRD and Riphah International University. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Ms. Vibeke Jensen Director UNESCO described a brief picture of global water crisis. She remarked that resolution of these issues lies in the preservation of nature which was degraded by enhanced anthropogenic activities. She was pleased to know that Government of Pakistan has finalized its Water Policy. “Water issues and crisis have multiple impacts, said Lt. Gen Omar Mahmood Hayat Chairman, NDMA. Under the changing climate, water related disasters are becoming very common affecting every aspect of life. Dr. Abdul Majeed, country representative ICARDA remarked that importance of water lies in how we use water resources. In order to save the nature, water must be conserved in all consumer sectors. Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, country representative IUCN said that his organization has remained part of ecosystem preservation and reforestation campaigns. A healthy eco-system ensures protected and well managed water resources. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Chairman PCRWR remarked that nature itself possess a balance of resources, any imbalance may cause shortage of these resources, water crisis is the most critical example.

A panel discussion was also held circling around preservation of “eco-system and water resources”. Mr. Ahmad Kamal Chairman Federal Flood Commission, Dr. Abdul Wahid Jasra Country Representative, ICIMOD, Dr. Ghulam Rasool Director General PMD, Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan Chancellor, Riphah International University and representative of ECOSF shared their expert opinion around the theme of world water day 2018. At the end, awards were distributed to winners of poster competition. The posters representation by the students of University of Agriculture, Faisalabad won the 1st prize in thematic and University of Haripur won the 1st prize in the pictorial presentation respectively.